Warning signs

Warning signs that need immediate medical attention include:

Preterm Labor (three or more weeks before your due date)

• Contractions - more than four (4) occurring in an hour
• Menstrual-like cramps - May come and go, or be constant
• Abdominal cramps - may occur with or without diarrhea
• Low backache - comes and goes, or is constant
• Pelvic pressure - fells like the baby is pushing down
• Change in vaginal discharge - a sudden increase in the amount, or may be more mucous-like, watery or slightly blood tinges

Vaginal Bleeding

• Bright red vaginal bleeding is NEVER normal

Abdominal Pain

• Constant pain or pressure needs immediate attention

Decreased Fetal Movement

• Use the chart provided by your doctor to track fetal movement during the last week of pregnancy
• Absence of movement or significant lessening of movement may be of concern; Notify your doctor

Fever

• More than 100.4^oF

Headache

• Usually severe
• Seeing spots of flashing lights
• Other neurological symptoms - numbness, loss of vision, weakness, loss of balance or speech difficulty

Urinary Discomfort

• Frequency with small amounts
• Burning or painful
• Blood tinged urine
• Vaginal itching or discharge

Sudden Weight Gain

• Sudden swelling of your hand and face (swelling of your legs may be normal)
• Weight gain of 2-5 pounds in a few days